On the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria there are many resort towns that attract tourists with their beauty, special historical spirit and favorable for recreation climate. City Sozopol- one of the brightest representatives of the resorts of this kind. Those come here for whom a vacation on the Black Sea is something more than just pushing a beach chair or an aimless trip to coastal cafes and bars. Once in Sozopol, many fall under the spell of its amazing landscapes - bays and rocks, golden beaches, old houses hugging narrow streets ... Sozopol is a favorite place poets, artists, romantics, couples in love, people of art and tourists vacationers with children.
Despite its venerable age, the city Sozopol is a modern spa. It is located 35 km from the large city of Burgas, in the southern part Burgas bay. Sozopol "spread" on the peninsulas Akrotir and Stones and on the islands Saint Julita and Saint Cyric. The islands of St. Peter and St. Ivan, like a natural shield, close the winding bay between the "urban" peninsulas from the northern winds. The location chosen in antiquity turned out to be successful - through it the forests and iron ores of the Strandzha Mountains, the fertile fields of Thrace and the southern salt pans became easily accessible. Therefore, it is not surprising that even before our era Sozopol became a famous port. Today it is used for tourist, recreational trips and for passenger transportation.
Holidays in Sozopol is a holiday in Bulgarian center of art and culture. Every year at the end of August Sozopol hosts the largest art festival in Bulgaria, Apollonia, which includes international film screenings, theater performances, jazz, contemporary and classical music concerts, book premieres, fashion reviews and various exhibitions.
Sozopol beaches
“Culture is culture, and what is beach holidays in Sozopol?» - some will think, and they will be right. What is a vacation on the Black Sea without a good beach, the sound of waves, salty wind, the cry of seagulls and a bunch of fun "coastal pleasures" - "bananas", "buns", jet skis, skis?
In the town itself two beaches strewn with golden fine sand.
- Central Beach. Located in a small quiet cove near the center of the old town. In this place, the sea is shallow, so this beach is often chosen by vacationers. with kids.
- Harmanite beach. Located in a new city, and attracts outdoor enthusiasts. It is spacious, and therefore sometimes seems not as crowded as the central beach. The depth begins already 10–15 meters from the shore.
For a comfortable beach holidays in Sozopol all conditions are created:
- sun loungers;
- umbrellas;
- beach bars and restaurants;
- playgrounds for children;
- volleyball courts;
- boating, yachting, catamarans, water skiing;
- hang-glider and parachute flights;
- diving.
Entrance to the beaches is free, an umbrella and a sun lounger can be rented for the whole day.
There are several attractive beaches in the vicinity of Sozopol. Most interesting:
- "Kavatsite". The area is located 4 km south of the old town and is a combination of fjords, coastal cliffs and picturesque beaches. It is a protected area (reserve "Kolokita").
- "Dunes". Suburban village. Located on the shore of the bay between Primorsko and Sozopol. Sand beach The village is considered one of the most beautiful beaches of the Black Sea. Comfortable and safe bottom. High dunes and a white beach strip that stretches for 4.5 km and reaches 100 m in width. Many specific sandy plants growing here are included in the Bulgarian Red Book. Dune Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag.
Diving in Sozopol
For lovers of underwater adventures Sozopol- Promised water. Diving in St. Stephen's Bay and Paradise Bay, in addition to fascinating views of underwater rocks, allows you to admire ancient vessels and anchors. For a fee, you can see the remains of sunken ships:
- Bulgarian "Motherland";
- American "Morgan";
- French "Jacques Fresinet";
- Turkish "Safak".
Accommodation in Sozopol
Rent price housing in Sozopol depends on the season and is inversely proportional to the distance to the beach. The highest prices in July and August. The cost of first-line apartments for a family of three fluctuates at this time in the range of 70-80 lev per day (approximately 40 euros). If you choose housing a little further from the sea, then you will need to pay less for it: budget holidays in Sozopol possible in guest houses with an overnight stay of 5-10 euros. Accommodation in a standard hotel room will cost 50 euros for two. Most hotels include breakfast in the price of the room. The best hotels in Sozopol:
- "Aquamarine";
- "Martinez";
- "Laguna Beach Resort";
- "Saint Tom";
- "Boruna".
Sights of Sozopol
IN Sozopol Thousands of tourists come every year looking not only for holidays on the Black Sea, but also for something else. The tourists of this stream are called pilgrims, and they come to this city to touch the great Christian shrine - relics of John the Baptist known as John the Baptist. The same John who announced the coming of Christ.
These relics (facial bone, hand bones, tooth) were discovered in July 2010 during archaeological excavations at island of St. Ivan. Currently, they are stored in the church of St. George in a luxurious reliquary made of gold and silver.
There are many places of worship in Sozopol and its environs ( churches and chapels). When going on a walk around the city, be sure to visit them, and also include in your itinerary:
- the historical center of Sozopol (UNESCO recognized it as an architectural reserve);
- house-museum of Alexander Mutafov, marine painter;
- the home of Dimtris Laskaridis, a fishmonger;
- Church of Cyril and Methodius;
- ruins of a Roman amphitheater.
Holidays in Sozopol... But someone, uttering these words, is transferred to memories of well-spent summer days, the Black Sea, islands and a cozy bay, the shores of which, like honey mushrooms, are strewn with small red-headed houses ... But such memories can become yours : come to Sozopol!
This route is popular with both tourists and the locals of Bulgaria, and is operated by many types of public transport. Buses and tourist shuttles are a good option for those who travel alone or as a couple, for young people who know the country and know the language, and for those who need to cut down on their vacation budget.
Advantages of buses and shuttles over other types of public transport
Usually the cheapest option. Travel by bus is either comparable to other group modes of transport (for example, with the train), or 5-15% cheaper than any alternative.
A trip to a stop, from where it is easy to get to the right place. And in the case of the tourist shuttle, perhaps even to the hotel. Regular buses from major transport hubs leave for the most popular destinations and pass through the central districts of the surrounding cities and resort areas. For example, from the stop where the bus will take the tourist from the airport, it will be possible to get to any desired place with a maximum of one more change. Tourist shuttles Kiwibuses in a number of directions carry tourists to places of rest, and do not land in the city center.
Mini-excursion during the road. The bus travels slowly and with stops. Some tourist buses and shuttles have attendants who brighten up the trip by talking about the sights.
Disadvantages of buses compared to other forms of public transport
Crowded during peak hours. Since buses are the most affordable option, they are used by most tourists who are not ready to spend money on a taxi. You may have to travel with luggage on your knees or even standing. Group shuttles are filled evenly and the lack of seats is almost impossible, however, there may be problems with luggage space.
There may not be tickets. For the same reason - buses in Bulgaria are popular, so you need to buy tickets for them in advance, not expecting to find them on the spot.
The resort itself, in my opinion, is nothing special, and, frankly, we were bored there. To unwind, we decided to go to the Primorsko water park.
By bus
In Sozopol, the bus station is located in the old part of the city. In fact, there is no bus station building, there is just a stop where taxi drivers park and buses stop. You can ask any passerby or souvenir seller (what I like about it is the lack of a language barrier), and they will definitely tell you where to go.
Most of the buses passing by, they run almost around the clock. Judging by the information I found on the Internet, the interval of movement can fluctuate greatly, sometimes 10-15 minutes, and sometimes more than an hour. True, there are many buses that are not indicated in the schedule, so in fact the frequency of buses is 15-20 minutes.
You will spend about half an hour on the road.
In Primorsko, the bus station is a three-minute walk from the water park.
What is the price
A ticket from Sozopol to Primorsko costs 2 leva (1 euro).
Where can I buy
You need to buy a bus ticket from the driver when boarding. Try to have small money with you to avoid problems with change.
By car
In Primorsko, in addition to the water park, there are two more interesting places: the Ropotamo reserve, the Arkutino botanical garden and Maslen Nos Cape. If you want to see everything, then you definitely need to rent a car and go to Primorsko on it. If you travel by bus, then it is simply unrealistic to be in time everywhere within one day.
Travel on Bulgarian roads for cars with local numbers is free. Gasoline in the country is inexpensive - only 1.08 euros per liter (I write “only”, because against the backdrop of the cost of fuel in France or Italy, this is generally a penny), and since the distance between the resorts is minimal, you will generally give a penny for gasoline .
I have attached a map with the route marked. As you can see, you just need to leave Sozopol on the road number 99 and stick to it. The whole journey will take a maximum of 20 minutes.
The road to Primorsko is of good quality, in principle, as elsewhere in Bulgaria. Not an expressway, of course, but also quite a decent track.
By taxi
If you want to get to Primorsko with maximum comfort and not deal with car rental, you can take a taxi and go there on it. Taxis in Bulgaria are relatively inexpensive, so even such an intercity trip will not be too exorbitant.
Traveling in Bulgaria by taxi is absolutely safe, the maximum that threatens a foreign tourist is that the driver will try not to turn on the meter. To avoid unpleasant situations, just try not to take the car "off the curb", but call a taxi by phone from the hotel reception. You can read more detailed information on the topic of traveling by taxi around the country in this one.
Results
We were only going to visit the water park, so we decided to take the bus instead. We refused the option with a car because of the cost of the rental (to be honest, it was just a “strangled toad”). Unfortunately, it is impossible to get by alternative modes of transport (train or boat) from Sozopol to Primorsko.
There is one amazing place in Bulgaria on a relatively evenly protruding coastal strip: a wide and long cape, like the nose of a huge cruise liner, stretches into the sea, the resort of Primorsko. However, this is far from the whole uniqueness of this place. Primorsko, in fact, is a protected area, with primeval forests, rare plants and wild animals, with remarkable rock formations and a rich historical heritage of ancient civilizations. And now, in the midst of this fragile ecosystem, in a place that until recently was completely closed to tourists, since the former residence of the Bulgarian General Secretary Todor Zhivkov, Perla, was located here, one of the largest youth centers in Europe, more than 80 holiday homes, all kinds of camps and tourist centers for children and teenagers, accommodating up to 70 thousand vacationers annually!
In a word, Primorsko, with its clean two-kilometer beach with soft fine-grained sand, cannot but please tourists tired of the bustle of big cities. Guests will not be bored here, because the Bulgarian Primorsko is the largest youth center in Europe with all the attributes of this “title”.
Search for flights to the city of Burgas (the nearest airport to Primorsko)
Hotels
A wide variety of beach hotels are located within the resort. You can stay in five-, four-, three-star hotels, as well as in boarding houses and sanatoriums. In the hotels you will find highly qualified staff and European service.
The beaches of Primorsko
The town of Primorsko is located in southern Bulgaria on the picturesque green slopes of the Strandzha mountain range. The land protruding far into the sea forms a peninsula and divides the beaches of Primorsko into North and South beaches in the bays of Stampolo and Diavolski. Depending on personal activity and preferences, vacationers can choose or combine two completely different sea areas. It could be the North Beach with its rough open sea, chosen by surfers and windsurfers. Or the calm South coast, stretching for almost a kilometer, reliably protected from the wind by the peninsula, with a gently sloping coast and warm water.
The southern beach, which is considered more comfortable, is separated from the resort village by Lake Diavolski and the river of the same name, therefore, in order to get to the southern coast with fine clean sand, you need to cross a suspension bridge. The northern beach, however, has its own important advantages, it is twice as large in area and you can always find secluded places on it, away from the numerous stacks of sun loungers and towels with the sunbathing bodies of resort guests.
Another great beach is located near the former Perla residence, where a small train runs from the resort center. Mostly not crowded here, so you can enjoy the sounds of the surf, swim in clear water, watch small crabs or collect mussels.
The beaches of Primorsko have been awarded the legendary Blue Flag for the purity of their waters.
In 1994, the resort was awarded the Blue Flag, which is assigned to beaches and yacht and boat moorings that meet the main characteristics of the international program and guarantee vacationers clean beaches and the sea, the necessary beach infrastructure and safety.
Entertainment and attractions Primorsko
Primorsko acquired the title of bio-atmospheric reserve or eco-zone due to its amazingly rich, often endemic vegetation. In the city itself there are many parks and alleys with broad-leaved trees, beeches, oaks, famous for the fact that citrus fruits are grown here. Primorsko adjoins the reserve "Ropotamo", which is widely spread at the mouth of the river of the same name, also called the "Bulgarian Amazon", among the rocks hanging over the sea. The reserve received its status in 1940 and since then has become one of the favorite national parks and a popular sightseeing place for tourists.
Thanks to this rafting, it will be possible to see and take pictures against the backdrop of the unusual natural attractions of Primorsko, rock formations of bizarre shape, the most famous of which are the Lion's Head and the Merry Rock. Also noteworthy are the dunes and rocky caves that you will meet along the way.
In the reserve "Ropotamo" you can find unique species of plants and animals, most of which are listed in the Red Book of Bulgaria. In total, there are over 100 different species of plants, 250 species of birds, roe deer, deer, fallow deer, wild boars, bears, turtles and a large number of various freshwater fish live in the river. And if you swim to the bay near Cape Maslen Nos, which flows into the Black Sea, there is a chance to see dolphins and seals.
Botanical Garden "Arkutino"
Another well-known reserved place in Primorsko is the Arkutino botanical garden, divided into biothematic zones with the names Snake Peninsula, Water Lilies and Sea Wormwood. Arkutino, which means "bear swamp", is located among a rare longose forest (flooded, flooded forest) and near the Ropotamo River. Here is an unusual swamp-lagoon with fresh water, where herons, swans and turtles live. Paradoxically, in this wet swampy area, some types of rare cacti grow very well. But the main advantage of Arkutino is the population of beautiful water lilies. In addition to the traditional white and yellow egg-pods, a rare plant grows here - the water rose.
Maps of Primorsko
Cape Maslen Nos
Primorsko is a treasure trove of antiquities that attracts archaeologists from all over the world. Thracians, Hellenes, Romans and Slavs left their cultural mark on the territory of Primorsko. On Cape Maslen Nos, the ruins of the ancient city of Ranuli and the well-preserved observatory-sanctuary Begliktash, with an ancient solar calendar inside, were discovered. Scientists attribute the find to the 14th century. BC e. Other historical values include the altar of Apostoltash, the Church of St. Paraskeva, the remains of the fortresses of Valchanovo Kale and Burkhama.
Bulgaria is one of the most popular countries for summer holidays for Russians. There are many reasons for this - low prices, fast flight, pleasant climate, shallow sea, consonant language, traditionally warm attitude of the local population, hearty Bulgarian cuisine. The Black Sea resorts in Bulgaria are numerous - they are noisy, bright, historical, and cozy.
Each town and village has its own "chip", each of them can become a place where you want to return again. Sozopol is just such a town and it is part of ours.
Sozopol: general information
This is an ancient city in the south of the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria. It was founded in the 6th century BC and then bore the name of Apollonia. The current name, meaning "city of salvation", Sozopol bears from the 5th century AD.
Situated on a peninsula close to the largest island in Bulgaria (Saint Ivan), Sozopol attracts a huge number of tourists, and holidays in this seaside town have always been considered bohemian. Actors and painters, poets and musicians gathered here.
Sozopol, like most ancient settlements, is divided into Old and New Towns. The Old Town is located on a peninsula and is very reminiscent of its buildings and structure of the Old Town of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city has several museums, chapels and churches, an art gallery, the architectural complex "Southern Fortress Wall and Tower". Every summer Sozopol hosts the Apollonia Arts Festival.
Holidays with children in Sozopol
Sozopol began to develop as a tourist destination in the 20s of the last century. Since 1960, it has become a favorite vacation spot for intellectuals and bohemians. Nowadays, families with small children are happy to go to Sozopol to relax.
There are a lot of family hotels and guest houses in Sozopol. There are also 4-5 star hotels that offer all-inclusive holidays, although it is all inclusive that has not really taken root in Bulgaria. It is much more interesting and cheaper to live in a small boarding house and visit taverns and eateries, which are presented in large numbers in the city. You can find something for every taste and budget.
Holidays in Bulgaria are considered budgetary, here you can eat very cheaply, and the food will be delicious, and the size of the dishes will be suitable for a couple of adults. In addition to catering establishments on the streets (especially on Ropotamo, a pedestrian street leading to the sea through rows of shops), they offer delicious pancakes with various fillings, donuts, refreshing drinks, corn and ice cream, as well as fruits, kebabs and pizza.
Sozopol is a great place to spend the whole summer there. There are several grocery stores in the city, which are very affordable. There are pharmacies whose staff speaks excellent Russian. Dozens of shops offer clothes for children and adults at ridiculous prices.
Things to Do in Sozopol
Sozopol is inferior in terms of the number and scope of entertainment facilities. There are restaurants, clubs, discos here that invite guests all night long, but young people will not survive here for more than a week - they will have to go to neighboring towns.
The entertainment center for children is a park that divides Sozopol into the Old and New Towns. The park is excellent. There, in addition to sprawling trees that give life-giving shade, there is the Ocean Restaurant with decent cuisine and non-frightening prices, as well as excellent live music in the evenings and a children's menu during the day.
In the park, kids ride ponies, electric cars, kids can paint with colored sand, catch ducks, jump on a trampoline or bungee, have fun in aquazorbs. The park has a good playground and outdoor exercise equipment, which are a huge success. In a word, there is a standard set of entertainment for children of preschool and primary school age. Children over 10 years old will be sad here.
What to look out for
Sozopol is located on a rocky shore. Some of the hotels are located high - you will have to go down to the beach, and back - climb rather steep stairs.
All beaches in Sozopol are municipal, sunbeds and umbrellas are paid, but there are many places for free and free accommodation. The sea near Sozopol is shallow. The beach is sand mixed with crushed shells. In July-August it can be dirty - it throws algae ashore. In June, the sea is cleaner, but the swimming season begins around June 15, before this date it can be cold - moreover, it is cold both on land and in water.